Orders to U.S. factories fell by 1.4 percent in November
WASHINGTON -- Orders to U.S. factories, after posting two months of solid increases, fell by 1.4 percent in November, the biggest decline in seven months. But analysts viewed the drop as a temporary blip in what has been an improving picture for American manufacturers.

Former Enron chief Andrew Fastow negotiates plea bargain
HOUSTON -- Former Enron Corp. finance chief Andrew Fastow is negotiating a plea bargain that could send the high-powered executive to prison for his role in the accounting scandal that brought down the energy company, sources close to the case said Wednesday.

News Notes
Read about news, meetings and upcoming events in St. Augustine.

Awarded doctorate
JANET WIITA DILLON, left, a professor at Flagler College, received her Ph.D. from State University of New York at Stony Brook, Long Island. Ceremonies were held Dec. 21, with Dillon receiving a doctorate in history.

Fishing: Fishing run was plentiful while it lasted
In terms of the weather and fishing we had a good run while it lasted and judging by the boat trailers parked on both sides of A1A at the Vilano basin, many agree and took advantage of it before it was over. Unfortunately, the weather will probably be more predictable than the fishing.

Bread pudding with attitude
Bread pudding, a versatile favorite, offers some mouth watering options to try. The first variation in the recipe that follows is that it adds grapes and almonds to the basic ingredients, for flavor and texture. Then, too, the dessert can be eaten warm from the oven, or at room temperature, or chilled, as diners wish.

Pork chili is quick, easy and very good
Lean pork tenderloin cooks up tender in just 5 minutes, yet delivers simmered-all-day flavor. That's good news for times when you need a robust, warming meal at short notice on a cold winter day.

Recipe Finder: Whip up a jellyroll in your blender
Carolyn C. Hawke of Farmville, N.C., requested a recipe for a jellyroll that she once made for her six children. "It was in the '60s, and I found the recipe in a small booklet, which came with my blender. The batter was made in the blender and poured into a jellyroll pan."

Ask Heloise: Marking collectables may help later on
Dear Heloise: In sorting out all of my collections -- vases, dishes, knickknacks, etc. -- I have started attaching a tiny red sticker or marking with permanent red ink a pea-size dot on the bottoms of those items that are perhaps valuable to a collector. This way, my family can find these things of value that could be overlooked when taking care of my estate. -- Carolyn Nelson McDonald, Alexandria, Va.

These squash recipes will satisfy most any appetite
Baked and served right out of the pumpkin, this is a great surprise to your guests. I first made this for a woman's club sometime in the '80s to rave reviews. It's simple to prepare and really impressive.

Dr. Donohue: The relationship between moles and cancer
DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Do moles become cancer? I have a few, and my wife is after me to see a dermatologist about them. I have had them for years, and they have not changed one bit. Do I need to be in a hurry to see a doctor? -- R.P.

Drug helps survival in type of cardiac arrest
A hormone called vasopressin is clearly better at saving the lives of patients whose hearts have stopped than the drug doctors have been using for the past 100 years, according to a study that could transform the treatment of sudden cardiac arrest.

Dr. Donohue: Heartburn does have a link to cancer
DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I have heartburn, and I can control it with medicine and by watching what I eat. My doctor wants me to have a scope exam of my esophagus because, he says, heartburn can turn into cancer. Can you explain this? It's news to me. -- H.B.

Rowland takes to airwaves and issues public apology
HARTFORD, Conn. -- Gov. John G. Rowland asked the state for the chance "to earn back your trust" Wednesday as he delivered a televised address that came amid growing pressure to resign for accepting gifts at his summer cottage and lying about it.

Reporter declines to reveal sources for Wen Ho Lee stories
WASHINGTON -- An Associated Press reporter refused to disclose his sources Wednesday despite a federal judge's order to do so for a lawsuit against the government by Wen Ho Lee, a former nuclear weapons scientist once suspected of spying.

Bush's immigrant-legalizing plan could draw Hispanics to GOP
WASHINGTON -- Promoting a plan that could brighten his election-year prospects with Hispanic voters, President Bush on Wednesday proposed legal status -- at least temporarily -- for millions of illegal immigrants working in the United States.

Suspect in PVB burglaries caught
A man believed to have burglarized thousands of dollars in guns, cash, jewelry, electronics and vehicles from Ponte Vedra Beach homes over the past few weeks was captured Tuesday afternoon, according to St. Johns Sgt. Christine Lee.

Police Report: Car crashes, lands on boat
One man was hospitalized after a black Mustang went airborne on Tanager Road, landing on top of a trailered boat, according to St. Johns Sheriff's Office spokesman Kevin Kelshaw.

Man accused in Texas slaying fights extradition
The man accused of killing Dean Suggs on Saturday in Henderson, Texas, then fleeing to St. Augustine, is fighting extradition, according to Rusk County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Darryl Norris.

Police Report: Neighborhoods lose power
Hundreds of St. Augustine homes lost electrical service about 6:40 p.m. Tuesday after a tree hit a wire on South Andreas Street and blew a transformer. Florida Power and Light spokesmen said power was fully restored by 7:15 p.m.

Students hit at bus stop
A Bartram High School student remained in critical condition Wednesday afternoon after being run over as she crossed the road to get on her bus.

Car wreck fatality on C.R. 210
Investigators believe a woman blacked out while driving a 1996 Mercury on County Road 210 just west of U.S. 1, causing a wreck that ended with a passenger in her car being killed, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Resolution OK'd regarding campaigns
The St. Johns Board of County Commissioners approved a resolution Tuesday that requires anyone who hires a campaign treasurer in a run for public office to resign from the county board or committee on which they serve.

For the Record
The Blood Center of the St. Johns is in critical need of all blood types. Blood supplies are currently dwindling. Donors of all blood types are asked to stop by the Blood Center, or stop by one of the bloodmobile sites to give blood.

Commissioners at Beach may receive pay
City Commissioners at St. Augustine Beach may get a raise. Right now the city pays them nothing. But commissioners plan to discuss compensation issues at 7 p.m. Monday in City Hall.

Corrections
Joe Shannon was mis-indentified as John Shannon in two Page 1A photographs in Tuesday's edition of The St. Augustine Record.

Drug helps survival in type of cardiac arrest
A hormone called vasopressin is clearly better at saving the lives of patients whose hearts have stopped than the drug doctors have been using for the past 100 years, according to a study that could transform the treatment of sudden cardiac arrest.

Marjorie Brandhoff Scheib
Marjorie Brandhoff Scheib, 79, of St. Augustine, died Jan. 5, 2003, at Flagler Hospital. She was a native of Hamilton, Ohio, and had resided here since 1970. She was retired from the St. Johns County Tax Collector's Office and she was a member of the Cathedral-Basilica of St. Augustine.

Edmund P. Jones
Edmund P. Jones, 89, of St. Augustine, died Jan. 3, 2004, at St Augustine Health and Rehabilitation Center. He was born in Warwick, R.I., and had resided in St. Augustine since 1950. He was a precision machinist for Fairchild Aircraft.

Lillian Miller Mackenzie
Lillian Miller Mackenzie, 95, of Palatka, died Sunday, Jan. 4, 2004, at Flagler Hospital in St. Augustine following an extended illness. Mrs. Mackenzie was a member of one of Putnam county's founding families and had lived most of her life in Palatka. She was very active in the community and enjoyed life to the fullest. Since the time she was a young child, she enjoyed playing the piano and shared her talent with her church, family and many community organizations. She played the piano for her Sunday School class and other groups at First Baptist Church of Palatka, where she had been a member for most of her life. She also played the piano for more than 60 years for the Palatka Rotary Club, the Kiwanis Club of Palatka and the Kiwanis Club of the Azalea City. In the days of silent movies, she provided musical accompaniment for films shown at Palatka's movie theater, and as a young woman, she performed with a small dance band. As an adult, she worked for the Hale Wholesale Grocery Company, the Putnam County Tax and Tag Office and the Putnam County School Board. Later in life, she was a homemaker. She was a member and held offices in many organizations, including Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, Palatka Yacht Club and the Garden Club of Palatka.

Harry Diehl Hallman
Harry Diehl Hallman, of St. Augustine died Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2004, at Flagler Hospital. Born Sept. 3, 1920, in Quakertown, Pa., to Harry E. and Ida Diehl Hallman, he was formerly of Sellersville, Pa., and had moved to St. Augustine in 1983. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the United States Navy, was retired from the Bazaar of All Nations in Horsham, Pa. and had been a constable, police officer, and security officer. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council No. 611, and had been Grand Knight from 1986 to 1988. He was an usher at the Cathedral-Basilica, a member of the American Legion, the Moose, the Owls, St. Augustine Elks Lodge No. 829, the Bucks County (Pa.) Police Association and the Sellersville Fire Department, a member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church, and enjoyed fishing, hunting, bowling and trapping.

David Paul Young
David Paul Young, 56, of New Smyrna Beach, died Jan. 6, 2004, at Bert Fish Medical Center in New Smyrna Beach. He was a native of Toledo, Ohio, before moving to St. Augustine, where he was a house parent at St. Augustine Youth Services for 15 years. He served his country during the Vietnam war in the U.S. Army and spent the past 17 years working with abused children. He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Palatka.

Mary Earlene Driggers
Mary Earlene Driggers, 76, of Orangedale, died Jan. 5, 2004, at her home. She was born in Lake City and had resided in Orangedale for the past 20 years. She was a floral designer.

Marjorie Brandhoff Scheib
Marjorie Brandhoff Scheib, 79, of St. Augustine, passed away peacefully Jan. 5, 2004, at the age of 79. Born and raised in Hamilton, Ohio, she moved with her husband and children to St. Augustine in 1970. Marge retired from the St. Johns County Tax Collector's Office and the former Thompson-Bailey-Baker real estate and Insurance Company. Until her recent illness, she was an active member of the St. Augustine Shrine Club Scimitars, RSVP, the St. Augustine Elks Lodge and the Cathedral Bell Tower Gift Shop.

George Beale Smith
George Beale Smith Jr., 68, of Vero Beach, died Dec. 28, 2003, at his home following a prolonged illness. He was a native of Queens, N.Y., a resident of St. Augustine for more than 30 years and had lived in Vero Beach for the past five years. He was a former programs manager for Grumman Data Systems in St. Augustine, retiring after 30 years of service. He served his country in the U.S. Coast Guard.

Death Elsewhere: Carwright, Child
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Veteran actress Lynn Cartwright, best known for her portrayal of the older Geena Davis character in "A League of Their Own," died Friday. She was 76.

Letter: Let the truth be told
Editor: Please receive this letter and give it the same consideration that you have given to those laying claim to parading and leading demonstrations here in St. Augustine. I have grown sick and very tired of some unknown persons telling me who my leaders were then and who my leaders are now in 2004. I would be remiss if I did not offer constructive criticism along with my complaints.

Perspective:On the right: Carping from the Brits
At the end of the year we have much to be grateful for, and a fair amount to wonder about. For instance, the tenacity of some British critics of our whole undertaking in the Mideast, nicely identified in an essay by Mark Steyn in The Daily Telegraph. (Mr. Steyn writes widely, including for National Review.)

McNabb, Favre overcame tough season
PHILADELPHIA -- They are two quarterbacks with a strong passion for the game, an unrelenting desire to win, a willingness to play through pain, inspiring their teammates through their leadership and courage.

Confession good for soul -- and $24.95
In the time you switched from the clip of Pete Rose confessing Monday on ESPN to him confessing on ABC to the analysis of his confession on CNN, Monday's conversation already had dwindled down two tired subjects: Whether he belongs in the Hall of Fame and if he'll return to the dugout.

Oakley named All-State
It didn't take long for people around high school football in Florida to notice Will Oakley.

Clark returns with a 42-point flurry
J.P. Clark's return to the basketball court was explosive. Bothered by a tendinitis, and inactive for most of the season, Clark didn't just lead Nease to its fifth win of the season Tuesday night against host Palatka.

College bowl season needs to go on a hearty diet
Maybe it's just me, but this season's college bowl slate was over mercifully quick. Twenty-eight games is too much to ask fans to tune in for, but apparently not enough to determine one true national champion.

Boucher gets his fourth straight shutout
WASHINGTON -- Brian Boucher became the first NHL goalie in almost 55 years to record four consecutive shutouts, making 27 saves in the Phoenix Coyotes' 3-0 victory over Washington on Wednesday night.

Flu vaccine still available
TALLAHASSEE (AP) -- State health officials said Wednesday that more than 11,000 doses of pediatric flu vaccine have been delivered to county health clinics in the past two weeks and more is on the way.

Police still trying to identify body
GAINESVILLE (AP) -- A body found in a University of Florida housing complex over the weekend has not been identified by authorities, but police said the apartment's resident, a graduate assistant from India, is missing.

Phone rate hikes delayed as AG Crist files appeal
TALLAHASSEE -- Attorney General Charlie Crist asked the state Supreme Court on Wednesday to overrule the Public Service Commission's approval of a rate hike for the state's three biggest local phone companies, automatically putting off any increase for now.

35 U.S. soldiers wounded in attack
BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Anti-American insurgents fired mortar rounds at a U.S. military camp Wednesday night, wounding 35 U.S. soldiers, the U.S. command said.

Leaders in South Asian Summit agree to peace
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan -- Two years after nuclear-armed India and Pakistan nearly went to war, their leaders agreed Tuesday to hold landmark peace talks next month on all topics, including the hot-button issue of Kashmir that lies at the heart of their half-century of mutual hatred and mistrust.